After almost two weeks of negotiations, the Texans were finally able to sign outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin.

The 10-year veteran specializes in rushing the passer and will join the team as a complement to third-year end Mario Williams. The terms of the deal were not released.

"I think just the opportunity to come to a new team, a fresh start, something different is exciting to me," said Colvin, who was released from the New England Patriots in February. "Sort of the icing on the cake is the young guys that they have, that they've been able to develop the last couple of years on the defensive side of the ball.

"I would never say or try to proclaim that I'm the answer and I'm the going to be the person that's going to propel them to Super Bowl championships, but at the same time, I feel like I'm just a piece of the puzzle. And I think that Houston's got a group of guys that understand that everybody has their specific roles and if you can do your job the best you can then the guy next to you doesn't have to worry about doing it for you."

Colvin, who has spent the offseason recovering from a foot injury he suffered last November, was cut in part as a salary cap move by the Patriots. He was due to make $5.5 million.

With the Texans, he will likely be a situational pass rusher on the right side. Anthony Weaver is slated to start at right end while Williams starts at the left side.

"My passion is rushing the passer," Colvin said. "It's something I feel like I do well. I can bring some experience into a team. I feel like I'm versatile enough to play a couple of different positions. … As we try to go forward from here, the most important thing is that I remain healthy."

Colvin shattered his right hip socket back in 2003, but recovered to lead the Patriots in sacks with seven in 2005 and 8.5 in 2006.